Cincinnati Skeptic - Vol 10 No 04 - 2001

Magazine Overview

Title: Cincinnati Skeptic
Issue: Vol. 10 No. 4
Date: February/March 2001
Publisher: The Association for Rational Thought

This issue of the Cincinnati Skeptic newsletter, dated February/March 2001, focuses on critical examination of various claims and phenomena, from historical artifacts to scientific theories and internet-based services.

December Meeting: Newark "Holy Stones:" Unholy Fraud, Holy Purpose

Brad Lepper, Curator of Archeology at the Ohio Historical Society, presented on the Newark, Ohio, "holy stones." Lepper transformed the narrative of these artifacts from a local curiosity into a topic with broader implications for the political, intellectual, and religious history of Ohio and the U.S. Initially inspired by Erich von Daniken's "Chariots of the Gods?" to become an archaeologist, Lepper found the real story more compelling than unsupported speculation. His doctoral dissertation focused on the earliest people to discover America, and he worked as a Hopewell culture specialist in Newark, a site known for its extensive earthworks.

Lepper's investigation into the "holy stones" began when he learned that a Denison University professor and an economics professor at Ohio University had concluded the stones were genuine historical artifacts. However, Lepper had doubts. He discovered that early European settlers in Ohio attributed the earthworks to "civilized" people, possibly the Lost Tribes of Israel, due to perceived differences between the earthworks and Native American capabilities. David Wyrick, a Newark resident, was a proponent of this theory and, along with physician Joseph S. Unzicker, created a detailed map of the Newark Earthworks in 1860.

During his digging in 1860, Wyrick found a wedge-shaped, polished stone engraved with what appeared to be Hebrew letters. He shared this find with Israel Dille, who coincidentally had a house guest, Charles Wittlesey, a Cleveland archaeologist. Wyrick, Wittlesey, and Dille agreed the markings were Hebrew but could not translate them. John Winspeare McCarty, a priest fluent in Hebrew, translated the inscriptions as "The Laws of Jehovah," "The Word of the Lord," "The Holy of Holies," and "The King of the Earth." Wittlesey noted the Hebrew was modern, not ancient, and the stone was found near the surface, suggesting it was not an ancient artifact but possibly a fraud. A local Mason suggested Masons might have built the earthworks and the stone. Harper's Weekly declared the stone a fraud. Some suspected Wyrick of planting it, especially since the discovery coincided with the presence of an expert in Ohio antiquities. Wyrick later found a second stone, the "Keystone," with Hebrew markings and a figure of Moses, which McCarty also translated. This stone met Wittlesey's criticisms, appearing to be ancient Hebrew and not Masonic. However, further examination revealed an error likely made by a translator of modern Hebrew, and the mark of a mechanical grinding wheel. The consensus among researchers like Lepper and Jeff Gill was that the stones were a fraud, possibly perpetrated to undermine arguments supporting slavery by suggesting a unified human origin.

January Meeting: Not Your Mother's Dinosaurs

David Meyer, a paleontologist from the University of Cincinnati, discussed current dinosaur research. Meyer's specialty is crinoids, but he provided an overview of dinosaur fascination. He noted that dinosaurs capture public imagination, often seen as fierce, mysterious monsters and symbols of evolutionary failure. Reconstructions of dinosaurs involve significant speculation. Meyer believes this intense interest, coupled with misinformation, makes dinosaurs an attractive topic for teachers to address common misconceptions.

The article debunks several dinosaur myths. Scientific study began less than 200 years ago, and the name "dinosaur" (terrible lizard) was coined in 1802 before complete skeletons were found. Early reconstructions depicted them as sprawling lizards. The first complete skeleton was found in Haddonfield, New Jersey. Expeditions, particularly in the American West, led to a surge in discoveries and popularity. Dinosaur remains have been found on all continents, indicating their wide dispersal.

Expeditions in the 1920s and 1930s to the Gobi Desert by Roy Chapman Andrews, initially seeking human origins, instead found dinosaur eggs and remains, further fueling interest. New methods in the 1960s advanced research into dinosaur appearance and behavior. Modern studies, using techniques like CAT scans and molecular research, show dinosaurs are distinct reptiles with unique skull structures and hip joints that allowed for upright posture and agile movement. The idea of sauropods being too heavy for land has been challenged, with evidence suggesting they were agile on land and could reach high branches. Fossilized nests indicate parental care, dispelling the notion that dinosaurs abandoned their eggs. The idea that all dinosaurs were cold-blooded is also being re-evaluated, with some likely being warm-blooded due to their size. Small dinosaurs are believed to have evolved into birds, which are a unique product of evolution, not simply feathered dinosaurs. The myth of dinosaurs as a failed species is evaporating, with evidence suggesting their descendants are still present and that they dominated the Earth for 160 million years, a significant period for any species. The demise of dinosaurs is attributed to long-term factors like climate change and a catastrophic asteroid impact.

Comments Corner: Except for the hair...

Joe Gastright discusses the history of phrenology and its connection to other pseudoscientific movements. He traces the origins to Franz Joseph Gall, who believed character traits were linked to specific brain organs. Johann Gaspar Spurzheim coined the term "phrenology" and translated Gall's work. Charles Caldwell became an American proponent. Joseph Rodes Buchanan later expanded the concept, claiming numerous additional "organs" could be identified by stimulating skull bumps, leading to "phrenomagnetism." This movement, combining Gall's organology with Mesmer's "Animal Magnetism," briefly gained popularity before fading.

A.R.T. Business

Membership Duration: The ART Executive Council approved a proposal to align membership with the activity year, starting in late Summer (August 1st to July 31st) to streamline renewal processes. Members are encouraged to contact Nurit Bowman with questions.

Executive Committee: Several changes in the Executive Committee are noted: Bryan Sellers is now Publicity Coordinator, Lance Moody is Vice President, Nurit Bowman is Membership Secretary, Bob and Diane Streifthau are Media Coordinators, and Terry Endres is Investigative Officer. Members are invited to volunteer.

AT SEA: A humorous transcript of a radio conversation between a US naval ship and Canadian counterparts off Newfoundland illustrates a communication breakdown, with the US ship refusing to divert course, ultimately revealing itself to be a lighthouse.

Off the Internet, way off.

This section features an advertisement for "University Diplomas, Like NOW!" offering degrees from non-accredited universities based on life experience, with no tests or classes required. It promotes obtaining a diploma within days via a phone call.

On Pornography

Jack Murnighan recounts a journalist's inquiry about John McCain's concern over public library computers providing access to pornography. Murnighan humorously suggests that if McCain couldn't find pornography without computers, he would be happy to give him a tour, or let a thirteen-year-old do so.

Too Many Books.... Too Little Time....

This section reviews Reinhold Messner's book, "My Quest for the Yeti: Confronting the Himalayas' Deepest Mystery." The review discusses the Yeti phenomenon, cryptozoology, and the requirements for a large, undiscovered animal to remain hidden. Messner's research suggests that while Western fantasy portrays the Yeti as a primitive human or ape, local interpretations describe a more elusive, ghost-like being. Messner concludes that underlying these tales is likely a real animal, possibly a large species of bear, described as extraordinary, intelligent, and enigmatic.

Voodoo Science: The Road from Foolishness to Fraud

This section reviews Robert L. Park's book "Voodoo Science." The reviewer highly praises the book, calling it a "must read for skeptics." Park's work focuses on hard sciences like physics, chemistry, and biology, categorizing pseudoscience into four types: pathological science, junk science, pseudoscience, and outright fraudulent science. The review highlights Park's explanations of concepts like confounding variables using the example of power lines and cancer, and his concise explanation of Einstein's theory of relativity and E=mc².

A Puzzle for Thinkers

This section presents a puzzle based on a newspaper article about a contract dispute between University of New Hampshire professors and the administration regarding salary raises. It asks readers to calculate the difference in proposals after five years and the administration's annual percentage offer. The solution to a previous puzzle about average entry fees and visitor costs is also provided.

Ode to the Butterfly Mind

This poem by Edwin F. Kagin explores a debate within a "Parliament of Butterflies" regarding their origins. One faction believes butterflies come from a creator's mighty hand, while another, the "caterpillar cult," claims they evolve from caterpillars. The poem concludes that both theories must be taught, allowing individuals to decide for themselves.

Dr. Seuss Explains Why Computers Sometimes Crash

This humorous, Dr. Seuss-style poem explains common reasons for computer crashes, including packet errors, cursor issues, data corruption, and network connectivity problems, offering a lighthearted take on technical difficulties.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around critical thinking, skepticism, and the debunking of pseudoscience and misinformation. The Association for Rational Thought (ART) consistently promotes a rational, evidence-based approach to understanding phenomena, whether they be historical artifacts, scientific claims, or even everyday occurrences like computer malfunctions. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of scientific rigor, intellectual honesty, and the careful examination of evidence, as demonstrated by the detailed analyses of the Newark Holy Stones and dinosaur myths, and the positive review of Robert L. Park's "Voodoo Science."

Title: Cincinnati Skeptics
Issue: Vol. 10 No. 4
Date: February/March 2001
Publisher: The Association for Rational Thought (ART)
Type: Nonprofit, scientific, and educational organization newsletter.

About The Association for Rational Thought (ART)

The Association for Rational Thought (ART) is presented as an independent, nonprofit, scientific, and educational organization that aligns with the philosophies of CSICOP, the Skeptics Society, and JREF. ART is dedicated to encouraging rational, well-informed evaluation of fringe-science, pseudoscience, and paranormal claims. The organization actively investigates local paranormal claims and maintains a database for local media. Founded by Cincinnati area skeptics in 1991, ART meets on the second Saturday of each month from September through June at 10:00 AM. Their meetings are open to the public. ART also publishes the Cincinnati Skeptic newsletter monthly. Annual dues are $15.00, which includes a subscription to the newsletter.

Membership and Contributions

Information is provided for potential and renewing members. Mailing labels indicate membership status: "00/00/00 Member" signifies good standing, while "Lapsed" indicates an expired membership. The newsletter encourages support through dues and additional contributions, emphasizing that dues have been kept low despite rising costs. Checks should be made payable to the Association for Rational Thought and mailed to their P.O. Box in Cincinnati, OH. Contributions are not currently tax-deductible, but the organization is working on this. Members can also request subjects for future meetings.

Contact Information

• Key contacts are provided for information and inquiries:
• President: Roy Auerbach (513)731-2774
• Contact: Lance Moody (513) 336-9835
• Website: http://www.cincinnatiskeptics.org
• Address Changes/Corrections/Membership Questions: Nurit Bowman (513) 731-0642, E-mail: [email protected]

Skepticism and ART on the Electronic Media

The newsletter highlights the importance of electronic media for staying connected. Members are encouraged to join SANE (Skeptical Area Network Effort) to receive skeptical news via e-mail, featuring messages from CSICOP, James Randi, and local skeptics. The ART website, http://www.cincinnatiskeptics.org, is promoted as a resource containing blurbs on various subjects, links to skeptical thinking resources worldwide, information on joining SANE, definitions of ART's mission and bylaws, meeting information, and ways to send sample copies of the newsletter. David Wall is listed as the Web Site Manager, with the email [email protected].

Preview Of Coming Attractions

Details are provided for two upcoming ART meetings for the 2000-2001 season:

Sixth Meeting of the 2000-2001 Season * Date and Day: Saturday, February 10, 2001 * Topic: Free (& Fun) for All * Speaker: President Roy Auerbach, PhD (moderator) * Description: This meeting offers an opportunity for members to make short (5-10 minute) presentations on topics of interest to skeptics, followed by discussion. These sessions are noted as being fun and potentially leading to ideas for future in-depth inquiry. * RSVP: Members are asked to email Roy ([email protected]) with their topic and expected time.

Seventh Meeting of the 2000-2001 Season * Date and Day: Saturday, March 10, 2001 * Topic: The Drake Equation: Piecing Together the ETI [extraterrestrial intelligence] Puzzle * Speaker: Terry Endres, ART Investigations Officer, Cincinnati State Technical & Community College * Description: Terry Endres will lead an activity where the audience breaks into small groups to explore the Drake Equation, addressing the evolution of solar systems and life forms. The formula is presented as N* x fp x ne x f₁ x fᵢ x f<0xE1><0xB5><0xA4> x f<0xE2><0x82><0x97> = N. * Place: Bonham Branch Library, 500 Springfield Pike, Wyoming. Parking information is provided, suggesting parking on Wyoming Ave. towards Sturkey's if possible. * Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM (program), 12:15 PM - 2:00 PM (lunch at Sturkeys). * Lunch Venue: Sturkey's Restaurant, 400 Wyoming Ave. A website for Sturkey's is provided for menus and maps: http://www.sturkeys.com.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around promoting skepticism, scientific inquiry, and critical thinking regarding paranormal and pseudoscientific claims. The Association for Rational Thought positions itself as a resource for accurate information and investigation. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of rational, evidence-based approaches, encouraging public participation in discussions and investigations. The emphasis on community, shared learning, and accessible information (through newsletters, websites, and meetings) is evident throughout the publication.